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Bed, Bath, and Beyond
Bed, Bath, and Beyond
I decided to follow-up on the natural magic "thesis" project with a series of operations focused on experimentation with celestial magic. Popular applications of celestial magic seem to focus specifically on planetary and astrological timing. I've found these electional methods can be effective, but I wanted to push further into the implication of timing, clocks, and cycles on my magical practice. My primary sources are Book II of Agrippa's TBOP and Picatrix. The systems I saw in these books looked functionally similar to the methods of natural magic and in some cases were identical. What seems to set celestial magic apart from natural magic is an escalation in the amount of abstraction.
From a medieval or Renaissance point of view, "time" does not appear to be something observed with our ordinary senses (that is not directly subject to natural magic). Additionally, divinities and spirits are often perceived as transcending or somehow existing outside of time. I've seen some insist that this means that time isn't "real." This doesn't track with my personal experience. If I smash the mirror on the wall, some change in the mirror's state has obviously occurred even if it technically occupies the same space. The non-spatial dimension over which this change happened is what we call "time." This strange dimension beyond space but not quite fully "divine" is (part of) the celestial realm.
I think descriptions of "time" as non-real are actually pointing out the arbitrary nature of the methods we use to account for time. We have many clocks at our disposal, including the various astrological systems (signs, faces, degrees, mansions, etc). However, our methods of accounting for space are equally arbitrary (e.g. feet vs. meters), yet I rarely see the same accusation levied against space. I've also seen appeals to the Theory of Relativity as reason to dismiss time, but these arguments often ignore that relativity also has implications on space. In fact, I think this space-time compliment has some useful magical implications.
Space-for-Time Substitutions
Every circle has 360°. The zodiac is a circle in the sky that consists of 12 segments that are 30° each. These segments are the signs. Applying the same assumptions as natural magic, we might assume some hidden force with influence on all circular things. Signs are often expressed as measures of time, but they also indicate coordinates in the sky. Applying the principle of correspondence (quite literally) we might also assume that signs and their effects may be present in any circular thing down here on Earth.
A circular running track for example will also have 360° which can be evenly divided into 12 segments of 30° each. In other words, this running track has signs. Perhaps the starting point of the track corresponds with the first degree of Aries (ruled by Mars). From here, runners move through all the signs in a counter-clockwise fashion. We might imagine they start to tire out around Capricorn and Aquarius (ruled by Saturn), but a few marshal the will to finish in Pisces (ruled by Jupiter).
From the runner's perspective, moving through the signs on the track is both a matter of moving through space and moving through time. Suppose the runner's average speed was 10 feet per second and the circle was 360 feet in circumference. Then, this runner would move through each sign in about 3 seconds (360 ÷ 12 ÷ 10). In other words, moving 30 feet (or 30°) around the circle is the same as running for 3 seconds from the runner's point of view. If we can substitute moving through space for moving through time, then I posit that we can also substitute auspicious locations for auspicious timing.
A Zodiacal Experiment
I initially used the Talisman of Peace as a sleep aid. I found this raw Saturnian power was a bit much for me and resulted in feeling hungover the next morning. I'd like to leverage this power to cast something for sleep that is a bit more balanced.
Spell Design
I'll use a spell triangle model of power, story, and intention to guide design. The source of power for this working is Saturn. Saturn is in its Joy in Aquarius. The cold and dry aspects of Saturn are perfectly balanced by the hot and moist aspects of Aquarius in this configuration. A beneficial aspect with Saturn in Aquarius would be a trine in either of the other air signs (Gemini or Libra). Between the two other air signs, Gemini ruled by Mercury feels thematically appropriate to transmit Saturnian influence (story). Lastly, a Lunar target seems appropriate to the intention of facilitating sleep, so I placed Luna in Gemini. Luna in Gemini maximizes moistness or fluidity, which calls to my mind the link between sleep and neural plasticity.
Harvesting Materials
There's a well-worn path in the forest that makes a loop of about 1.5 miles. I decided to apply a space-for-time substitution to this path for the purposes of collecting materials under the influence of relevant signs. I already had the raw planetary ingredients from the construction of natural magic talismans. All that remained was to collect materials for Saturn in Aquarius and Luna in Gemini.
I measured out the average length of my stride and did some napkin math to figure out the number of paces from the entry of the loop (Aries) to the approximate centers of Aquarius and Gemini. I say approximate because things in the elemental realm are rarely as perfect as they are in the mathematical. I'll still need to use my psychic senses to sniff out specific materials once I'm in the approximate vicinity.
Using a string of beads to help me count paces, I moved counter-clockwise around the loop and arrived at Gemini. I closed my eyes and employed the Charm of Illumination to help guide me to a reservoir of Lunar power. I was guided to a single sneezeweed bloom. I later learned that this flower was sometimes used to expel evil spirits. The official name for sneezeweed is Helenium after Helen of Troy. It seemed the intention for this spell would be to get some "beauty rest" specifically.
As I was exiting Gemini a curious thing occurred. I repeatedly lost count of my paces and had to return to Gemini to start over. After three failed attempts to escape Gemini, I decided to employ the Charm of Discretion and leave a gift of gratitude to Mercury. This seemed to do the trick (or resolve the trick as the case may be).
After a long while, I arrived at what I thought was Aquarius. However, the energy did not feel right. I had gotten harassed by horseflies in Scorpio (ruled by Mars) and it was possible I miscounted paces. I decided to return to Aries and traverse the loop retrograde to find Aquarius. After some careful counting I arrived at a location that I felt more confidently embodied Aquarius. I once again employed the Charm of Illumination and was guided to a spent and well-dried pine cone. I later learned that the pineal gland that produces melatonin in the brain is shaped like a pine cone. This seemed like a good source of power for my spell.
The Script
I like using symbols to help arrange and activate materials for my spells. Experimentation during my natural magic project resulted in a method using a paper script. The script has four sections. From top to bottom, the first section is for the Greek letter associated with the planetary source, according to Agrippa Book I. The next section uses the seals or characters of the transmitting planet, also from Agrippa Book I. The third section is the Greek letter or letters of the planetary intention. The final bottom section is a representation of the elemental or material realm.
For this working, I decided to experiment with the Phoenician alphabet which is upstream of both Greek and Hebrew. I devised my own system of symbolic correspondences that made sense to me. I used 𐤌𐤊 (kap, mem) for Saturn in Aquarius and 𐤒𐤂 (giml, qop) for Luna in Gemini. I used the seals of Mercury as the transmitting planet. I used the same Greek based elemental symbol I've used before. To summarize, Mercury carries power from Saturn in Aquarius to Luna in Gemini where it manifests in the material as a good night's rest.
Activation
I arranged the harvested materials with my Talismans of Peace, Discretion, and Illumination according to the order described by the paper script. I then used the Charms of Peace, Discretion, and Illumination to activate each ingredient. I activated the paper script itself using a modification of the elemental based Charm of Healing. As always, I leave the spell ingredients in this configuration for as long as a stick of incense burns.
Use and Results
I taped the paper script to my bed frame in an inconspicuous place. That night before sleep, I re-activated the script by repeating the modified Charm of Healing. The use of words felt like an appropriate way to employ Mercury as the primary transmitter of this spell. I felt a wave of pleasant relaxation pour over me almost instantly. The next morning I did indeed wake up feeling very refreshed after only 7 hours of sleep. I slept through the entire night and woke up with no bags under my eyes for first time in months.
Ianvs
I decided to follow-up on the natural magic "thesis" project with a series of operations focused on experimentation with celestial magic. Popular applications of celestial magic seem to focus specifically on planetary and astrological timing. I've found these electional methods can be effective, but I wanted to push further into the implication of timing, clocks, and cycles on my magical practice. My primary sources are Book II of Agrippa's TBOP and Picatrix. The systems I saw in these books looked functionally similar to the methods of natural magic and in some cases were identical. What seems to set celestial magic apart from natural magic is an escalation in the amount of abstraction.
From a medieval or Renaissance point of view, "time" does not appear to be something observed with our ordinary senses (that is not directly subject to natural magic). Additionally, divinities and spirits are often perceived as transcending or somehow existing outside of time. I've seen some insist that this means that time isn't "real." This doesn't track with my personal experience. If I smash the mirror on the wall, some change in the mirror's state has obviously occurred even if it technically occupies the same space. The non-spatial dimension over which this change happened is what we call "time." This strange dimension beyond space but not quite fully "divine" is (part of) the celestial realm.
I think descriptions of "time" as non-real are actually pointing out the arbitrary nature of the methods we use to account for time. We have many clocks at our disposal, including the various astrological systems (signs, faces, degrees, mansions, etc). However, our methods of accounting for space are equally arbitrary (e.g. feet vs. meters), yet I rarely see the same accusation levied against space. I've also seen appeals to the Theory of Relativity as reason to dismiss time, but these arguments often ignore that relativity also has implications on space. In fact, I think this space-time compliment has some useful magical implications.
Space-for-Time Substitutions
Every circle has 360°. The zodiac is a circle in the sky that consists of 12 segments that are 30° each. These segments are the signs. Applying the same assumptions as natural magic, we might assume some hidden force with influence on all circular things. Signs are often expressed as measures of time, but they also indicate coordinates in the sky. Applying the principle of correspondence (quite literally) we might also assume that signs and their effects may be present in any circular thing down here on Earth.
A circular running track for example will also have 360° which can be evenly divided into 12 segments of 30° each. In other words, this running track has signs. Perhaps the starting point of the track corresponds with the first degree of Aries (ruled by Mars). From here, runners move through all the signs in a counter-clockwise fashion. We might imagine they start to tire out around Capricorn and Aquarius (ruled by Saturn), but a few marshal the will to finish in Pisces (ruled by Jupiter).
From the runner's perspective, moving through the signs on the track is both a matter of moving through space and moving through time. Suppose the runner's average speed was 10 feet per second and the circle was 360 feet in circumference. Then, this runner would move through each sign in about 3 seconds (360 ÷ 12 ÷ 10). In other words, moving 30 feet (or 30°) around the circle is the same as running for 3 seconds from the runner's point of view. If we can substitute moving through space for moving through time, then I posit that we can also substitute auspicious locations for auspicious timing.
A Zodiacal Experiment
I initially used the Talisman of Peace as a sleep aid. I found this raw Saturnian power was a bit much for me and resulted in feeling hungover the next morning. I'd like to leverage this power to cast something for sleep that is a bit more balanced.
Spell Design
I'll use a spell triangle model of power, story, and intention to guide design. The source of power for this working is Saturn. Saturn is in its Joy in Aquarius. The cold and dry aspects of Saturn are perfectly balanced by the hot and moist aspects of Aquarius in this configuration. A beneficial aspect with Saturn in Aquarius would be a trine in either of the other air signs (Gemini or Libra). Between the two other air signs, Gemini ruled by Mercury feels thematically appropriate to transmit Saturnian influence (story). Lastly, a Lunar target seems appropriate to the intention of facilitating sleep, so I placed Luna in Gemini. Luna in Gemini maximizes moistness or fluidity, which calls to my mind the link between sleep and neural plasticity.
Harvesting Materials
There's a well-worn path in the forest that makes a loop of about 1.5 miles. I decided to apply a space-for-time substitution to this path for the purposes of collecting materials under the influence of relevant signs. I already had the raw planetary ingredients from the construction of natural magic talismans. All that remained was to collect materials for Saturn in Aquarius and Luna in Gemini.
I measured out the average length of my stride and did some napkin math to figure out the number of paces from the entry of the loop (Aries) to the approximate centers of Aquarius and Gemini. I say approximate because things in the elemental realm are rarely as perfect as they are in the mathematical. I'll still need to use my psychic senses to sniff out specific materials once I'm in the approximate vicinity.
Using a string of beads to help me count paces, I moved counter-clockwise around the loop and arrived at Gemini. I closed my eyes and employed the Charm of Illumination to help guide me to a reservoir of Lunar power. I was guided to a single sneezeweed bloom. I later learned that this flower was sometimes used to expel evil spirits. The official name for sneezeweed is Helenium after Helen of Troy. It seemed the intention for this spell would be to get some "beauty rest" specifically.
As I was exiting Gemini a curious thing occurred. I repeatedly lost count of my paces and had to return to Gemini to start over. After three failed attempts to escape Gemini, I decided to employ the Charm of Discretion and leave a gift of gratitude to Mercury. This seemed to do the trick (or resolve the trick as the case may be).
After a long while, I arrived at what I thought was Aquarius. However, the energy did not feel right. I had gotten harassed by horseflies in Scorpio (ruled by Mars) and it was possible I miscounted paces. I decided to return to Aries and traverse the loop retrograde to find Aquarius. After some careful counting I arrived at a location that I felt more confidently embodied Aquarius. I once again employed the Charm of Illumination and was guided to a spent and well-dried pine cone. I later learned that the pineal gland that produces melatonin in the brain is shaped like a pine cone. This seemed like a good source of power for my spell.
The Script
I like using symbols to help arrange and activate materials for my spells. Experimentation during my natural magic project resulted in a method using a paper script. The script has four sections. From top to bottom, the first section is for the Greek letter associated with the planetary source, according to Agrippa Book I. The next section uses the seals or characters of the transmitting planet, also from Agrippa Book I. The third section is the Greek letter or letters of the planetary intention. The final bottom section is a representation of the elemental or material realm.
For this working, I decided to experiment with the Phoenician alphabet which is upstream of both Greek and Hebrew. I devised my own system of symbolic correspondences that made sense to me. I used 𐤌𐤊 (kap, mem) for Saturn in Aquarius and 𐤒𐤂 (giml, qop) for Luna in Gemini. I used the seals of Mercury as the transmitting planet. I used the same Greek based elemental symbol I've used before. To summarize, Mercury carries power from Saturn in Aquarius to Luna in Gemini where it manifests in the material as a good night's rest.
Activation
I arranged the harvested materials with my Talismans of Peace, Discretion, and Illumination according to the order described by the paper script. I then used the Charms of Peace, Discretion, and Illumination to activate each ingredient. I activated the paper script itself using a modification of the elemental based Charm of Healing. As always, I leave the spell ingredients in this configuration for as long as a stick of incense burns.
Use and Results
I taped the paper script to my bed frame in an inconspicuous place. That night before sleep, I re-activated the script by repeating the modified Charm of Healing. The use of words felt like an appropriate way to employ Mercury as the primary transmitter of this spell. I felt a wave of pleasant relaxation pour over me almost instantly. The next morning I did indeed wake up feeling very refreshed after only 7 hours of sleep. I slept through the entire night and woke up with no bags under my eyes for first time in months.
Ianvs